Willie Nelson’s iconic 4th of July Picnic to air as concert film

Willie Nelson’s annual 4th of July Picnic will air as epic hybrid concert film. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This year, Luck Productions is bringing Willie Nelson’s annual 4th of July Picnic to the people: part Picnics past, part what is to come and all in the spirit of the Picnic’s storied history. On Saturday July 4 starting at 3:30pm Central, fans will be able to enjoy interviews with characters from the Picnic’s past and see new, live performances from their favorite Luck Family artists. (Luck Productions, 2020)

Luck Productions was set to host the 47th annual event, welcoming the Picnic back to its hill country home, and while friends and family will not be crowding into Willie’s Luck, TX, ranch this summer, the man himself will be performing alongside his band from his nearby recording facility, Pedernales Studios. In addition to Willie, performers will include the likes of Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley, Margo Price, Steve Earle and Kurt Vile. Tickets for digital admission are $35 ahead of the event and $45 day-of-show are available online.

This July 4th, the Picnic will kick off with a Prime Cuts episode with Chef Scott Roberts of Salt Lick BBQ and special guest Ray Benson, followed by live-streamed performances from Luck’s Saloon and Chapel stages before leading into a 90-minute concert film segment. The film will feature remote performances from Picnic artists, an all-star house band curated by The Texas Gentlemen’s Beau Bedford, featuring Charlie Sexton, John Michael Schoepf, and Josh Blue, and interviews and Picnic memories stitched in throughout. Additionally, SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse will broadcast the 90 minute stream to subscribers.

Tickets to the event grant access to highly curated food and beverage delivery packages from Assembly Kitchen, Austin Food and Wine Alliance grant recipients, and Sourced Craft Cocktails. One dollar from each ticket sold will support The Luck Reunion Fund, managed by the Austin Community Foundation, directly benefiting five designated organizations. Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, and Karbach Love Street will also be matching donations. Beneficiaries for this event include All Together ATX, Six Square, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, SIMS Foundation, and Central Texas Foodbank.

Performances will include Willie Nelson & Family , Asleep At The Wheel, Charley Crockett, Devon Gilfillian, John Doe, Johnny Bush, Kinky Friedman, Kurt Vile, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Lyle Lovett, Margo Price, Matthew Houck (Phosphorescent), The McCrary Sisters, Particle Kid, Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, Shakey Graves, Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, The Peterson Brothers, Vincent Neil Emerson and Ziggy Marley.

“Our goal with the 2020 Picnic is to bring it back to what it was—in the only way we can during these times. We were set to host this year’s event at Luck, to welcome the Picnic back to its hill country home. The Picnic is really one of a kind, it has always been scrappy. Cars on fire. Mass arrests. You name it…it happened at the Picnic.” – Ellee Fletcher Durniak, co-founder of Luck Productions

Local businesses offering Fourth of July deals

bakerylorrainejuly4 — Pre-orders start today for Fourth of July pies from Bakery Lorraine. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

With the Fourth of July around the corner, several businesses around the San Antonio area are offering special deals to help celebrate in style. Whether food or entertainment, Bakery Lorraine, EVO Entertainment, San Antonio Museum of Art and La Panaderia have something for everyone.

Bakery Lorraine:
This Fourth of July, Bakery Lorraine will have their famous Apple pie made with five different apple varieties and donning a lattice decor this holiday season. A new decadent, Chocolate Creme pie will also be available along with their traditional Buttermilk pie topped with fresh berries. This will make the perfect addition to any socially-distanced barbecue, virtual or home celebration. Pies are $26 each and available for pre-order starting on Thursday, June 25. Pre-orders can be done online or by calling the desired store. All pie orders must be placed by Tuesday, June 30, at midnight. Pickup in-store Friday (7/3) or Saturday (7/4). Available at all Bakery Lorraine locations in San Antonio and Austin. (Bakery Lorraine, 2020)

EVO Entertainment:
In celebration of Independence Day, EVO Entertainment will be offering their play on a buy-one-get-one special, where guests can get a free game card equaling their food & beverages purchases at EVO. For example, if a guest spends $20 in refreshments, they are eligible for a free $20 game card to play arcade style games with opportunities to win prizes. There is no cap on how much they can spend or receive for this Fourth of July special. The offer is valid on July 4, 2020 and is available at participating EVO locations in Schertz and Kyle. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, EVO operates under strict protocols to keep guests and staff safe, including the sanitation of high-contact surfaces every 30 minutes. (EVO Entertainment, 2020)

San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA):
On Sunday, July 5 from Noon to 3p.m., the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) will host its Family Day See + Do, a free event for SAISD students and their families. A perfect addition to the holiday weekend, families will have an opportunity to meet Pegasus and other mythical animals as they explore the realms of fantasy in this no-contact, physically distanced family day. Families will have the opportunity to invent their own magical animal and draw it on scratch art paper, sculpt a multi-headed hydra and enjoy a self-paced scavenger hunt. The Family Day See + Do has been generously underwritten by the Charity Ball Association of San Antonio and the Faye L. and William L. Cowden Charitable Association. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2020)

La Panaderia:
The popular San Antonio bakery will be open to visitors this Fourth of July at both locations so guests can stop in and treat themselves to decadent pan dulce while taking a break from the heat. Guests can also enjoy signature menu items at each restaurant such as the La Panaderia Patty Melt, a unique twist on the Texas favorite. (La Panaderia, 2020)

La Cantera Resort & Spa chefs shares Mother’s Day recipes

lacanteracorn — Fiesta Corn by Chef Gio Silva, Chef de Cuisine, Grille 254. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Even though La Cantera Resort & Spa will not be open for Mother’s Day this year, their Chefs are sharing some recipes anyone can make at home. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2020)

Fiesta Corn Recipe by Chef Gio Silva – Chef de Cuisine, Grille 254
Ingredients:
4 pieces of corn on the cob
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tsp. Valentina hot sauce
1 pinch of salt to taste
1 tbsp. finely chopped cilantro
½ cup cotija cheese or queso fresco
1 tbsp. Tajin or chili powder
1 lime cut in wedges

Directions: Simmer the corn in water for about 30 min or until soft, or grill if you prefer. Mix the rest of ingredients, except the cheese and tajin/chili powder. When corn is done cooking, allow to cool down. Either slice the kernels or leave the cob whole. Mix or cover the corn with the Valentina/mayo mix. Sprinkle with cheese and Tajin.

Goldfish Cheddar Mac and Cheese by Chef Robert Carr – Executive Chef, La Cantera Resort & Spa
Goldfish add a nice crunch to creamy macaroni and cheese, while a mild poblano pepper gives the dish an earthy richness without being too hot for the kids. If you do not want to cook and dice the bacon, bacon bits will work.
Ingredients:
½ cup of shredded cheddar
1 roasted and diced poblano chili pepper
½ cup bacon
1 cup crushed cheddar Goldfish

Directions: Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the instructions. Mix in ¼ cup of the cheddar, ½ cup of the crushed goldfish and the pepper. Top with ¼ cup of cheddar followed by the remaining ½ cup of goldfish and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Champagne Margaritas by Chef Gabriela Hinojosa – Chef de Cuisine, SweetFire Kitchen
Champagne Margaritas are so fresh and satisfying and easily adaptable with different fruit purees and garnishes.
Ingredients to yield 1 pitcher:
6oz. lime juice
4oz. orange juice
4oz. tequila
1/4 cup sugar
1 bottle (750ml) Champagne
Ice

Directions: Stir the sugar with the lime and orange juices to dissolve. Add the tequila and fill the pitcher with ice. Pour the Champagne over the ice and stir. Serve in Champagne glasses with a slice of fresh mango or orange wheel.

The Squeezebox announces Fiesta Packs To Go

Fiesta may have been postponed but San Antonians can still get their Fiesta fix this week. The Squeezebox is announcing “A Night in Old SQZBOX” with Fiesta Packs To Go for customers to enjoy at home. The package options include a 6 pack of beer plus Fiesta food favorites like Chicken on a Stick, Gorditas, Footlong Sausage and Footlong Corndog. The Fiesta foods will be catered by Berna’s Street Food. All packages include a FREE Twang Michelada Kit and Beer Salt. (The Squeezebox, 2020)

Availability will be on a first come, first served basis (pre orders have closed). 100 percent no contact pick-up. Payment only via debit and credit card. Pick ups will be available Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25 from 6p.m. to 10p.m.

Package options include:

Tio’s Fiesta ($25):

6 Pack of Domestic Beer (Choose between Lone Star, Lone Star Light, Bud Light, Miller Lite, or Coors Lite)
2 Fiesta Foods of Your Choice
Twang Michelada Kit + Beer Salt

MRKT Square Starter Pack ($30):

6 Pack of Premium Beer (Choose between Dos XX, Modelo, Carta Blanca, Tecate, Tecate Light, or Pacifico. Whiteclaw and Austin Eastciders also available).
2 Fiesta Foods of Your Choice
Twang Michelada Kit + Beer Salt

Squeezebox Owner and vinyl DJ Aaron Peña is also offering a Fiesta Spotify music list for folks to enjoy at home with their Fiesta Packs.

The Squeezebox
2806 N St Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX 78212

Twang Partners Ltd. is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings based in Texas. Product lines include Twang-A-Rita, Beer Salt and more designed to easily add flavor to drinks and elevate at-home alcoholic beverages to cocktail bar status. Twang’s products are available throughout the country in 46 states, in grocery stores, convenience stores and online. Twang Partners has successfully collaborated with some of the top food and beverage companies around the world to create innovative custom blends.

Luck Productions presents 4/20 live stream

Luck Productions presents “Come And Toke It”—a new variety show and fourth installment of Luck’s ongoing live programming, following Til’ Further Notice, Hello Walls and Prime Cuts. What better way to honor Willie’s favorite holiday, than to celebrate with him on April 20th at 4:20 p.m. in the comfort of your own home. Hosted by the unofficial patron saint of weed himself, Willie Nelson, who will be joined by artists, chefs, comedians and cannabis experts during the 4 hour and 20-minute live-streamed program. (Luck Productions, 2020)

The variety show will include performances by various musical guests, cooking and cocktail demos and weed-centric moments. Stay plugged-in to Luck Reunion social media channels, as the talent will be revealed on a rolling basis. All programming will stream on Luck reunion and Twitch TV.

Luck and Willie’s Reserve are joining forces to launch the #comeandtokeit #passleft challenge, which is perhaps the world’s only chance to knock smoking with Willie Nelson off their bucket list. Whether you partake or not, this is your chance to live the dream. Luck will be asking fans to post a video of themselves passing whatever toking material of their choice to the left with the hashtags #ComeandTokeIt #PassLeft. One lucky participant will be randomly selected to talk to Willie himself, live on air, to pass left and wish him an early birthday “in person” during the broadcast. More details available on You Tube.

To help kick your at-home party off, viewers in Austin, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City areas will be able to order from classic cocktail delivery service Sourced Craft Cocktails. Come And Toke It will also highlight its partnerships with Willie’s Reserve, Last Prisoner Project, El Silencio, and Grav.

Luck Productions is a rogue cultural collective headquartered in Willie Nelson’s Luck, TX. Anchored by its flagship event, the annual Luck Reunion—also dubbed as the “Anti-Coachella” by Fast Company—Luck Productions creates experiences that embrace our past while cultivating new traditions in American roots culture. In addition to the Reunion, Luck Productions has hosted pop-up events including “Luck Mansion” residencies during Nashville’s AmericanaFest; a featured stage activation during Highwater Festival; the “Luck Hotel” content and concert series in Dallas; and the new “Luck Social” supper and song series held in Luck, TX. After the postponement of Luck Reunion 2020, Luck Productions kicked it into high gear with a virtual festival Til’ Further Notice – a live streaming concept that raised upwards $200,000 for participating artists and partnering nonprofits who are heavily impacted by the current disaster.

Don’t forget to tune in for Luck Presents Prime Cuts: a live, cook-along event featuring award-winning chefs and musical guests Fridays at 6p.m. and for Hello Walls: a music-discovery focused mini-series Sunday nights at 8p.m. Past guests on Prime Cuts include award-winning host chef Michael Fojtasek and musical guest Shakey Graves. The first episode of Hello Walls was hosted and curated by Deer Tick’s John McCauley and Langhorne Slim hosted episode two.

“Come and toke it with me on 4/20 at 4:20. There will be music and good times. And, it’s for a good cause.” – Willie Nelson

Family friendly fun at Briscoe Western Art Museum’s ‘Tales &Trails’

briscoelilpartners — Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

This month, hit the trail and head West without ever leaving the River Walk during Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Lil Partners spring break series, “Tales and Trails.” With Lego animation, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, storytelling, cowboy games and more fun than you can lasso, capture the excitement and adventure of the West, learn about the Western lifestyle and the see the stories shared through Western art brought to life. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2020)

Lil Partners “Tales and Trails” offers children and caregivers different activities to enjoy together. The daily program includes story times and activities that celebrate the heritage and culture of the American west. There will be different activities throughout the week, giving Lil Partners the opportunity to enjoy something special each day. Lil Partners who participate each day will receive a certificate of completion, showing their mastery of Western Tales and Trails.

“Tales and Trails” is included in museum admission and no reservations are required, however, caregivers must accompany participating children. And in case Lil Partners get a hankerin’ for some grub, snacks are included in the program.

The Briscoe’s Lil Partners program regularly offers story times on the first Wednesday of each month to introduce little ones to the excitement and adventure of the American West. Families can also check out “Buckaroo Bags,” with stories and games to play and bring the West to life while exploring the museum’s galleries. Buckaroo Bags are available at the guest services desk during regular museum hours.

Lil Partners Spring Break Series, “Tales and Trails” will take place Monday March 13 through Friday March 13 from 1p.m. to 4p.m. daily.

Scheduled programming includes:
Monday: Lego Animation, Leather Stamping
Tuesday: Model Magic – Re-enact Briscoe Sculptures, Drawing – Create a Comic
Wednesday: Seed Pods – Texas Wildflowers, Scavenger Hunt – Tracking Animals
Thursday: Red Clay Pottery – Create an Indian Bowl, Monochromatic Drawing
Friday: Watercolor Painting, Movie screening – “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West”

Open daily, admission to The Briscoe Western Art Museum is free for children 12 and under, as well as active duty members of the military and up to four members of their family. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for retired military, first responders, educators, fireman and police officers. The Briscoe offers extended hours and free admission every Tuesday from 4p.m. to 9 p.m. The museum is located on the River Walk, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or at one of many downtown surface lots.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 299-4499

Upcoming February events at Pearl

pearlcanciones — The next Canciones will be Friday February 28. Photo: Matt Buikema, used with permission.

This February, Pearl will host a special Valentine’s Day SoundCream night and bring back the live music series, Canciones. Pearl will also continue free weekly fitness sessions open to the public guided by Pilates Platinum. (Pearl, 2020)

SoundCream “I Dedicate…”- Friday February 14 from 6:30p.m. to 9p.m. at Pearl Park
Dance the night away with loved ones as SoundCream Airstream returns to Pearl Park for a special Valentine’s Day edition of Sunset Sessions with DJ JJ Lopez. Enjoy love songs and dedicate a tune to that special someone. Free and family-friendly. The League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area will be on site to provide voter registration services and Susan G. Komen San Antonio will be on site to raise awareness of its work in the community.

Canciones: Love Songs – Friday February 28 from 7:30p.m. to 9p.m. at Pearl Park
Pearl’s live music series returns during the month of love with a free concert by the Texicana Mamas. The powerhouse trio is made up of three of the state’s most celebrated Latina musicians—Tish Hinojosa, Stephanie Urbina Jones and Patricia Vonne. The League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area will also be on site to provide voter registration services and Susan G. Komen San Antonio will be on site to raise awareness of its work in the community.

Fitness at Pearl
Pearl is thrilled to continue free community workout classes led by local fitness providers every Tuesday evening. Throughout the year, partners will include Pilates Platinum, Smart Barre, Nomadik Yoga, Dance Fitness with Mau Garcia, and Joy Ride. The February schedule is:

Tuesday, February 4 | Pilates Platinum | 5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
Tuesday, February 11 | Pilates Platinum | 5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
Tuesday, February 18 | Pilates Platinum | 5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
Tuesday, February 25 | Pilates Platinum | 5:30p.m. | Pearl Park

“It’s the Month of Love and we are excited to offer San Antonians a place to gather and celebrate one another while enjoying music at Pearl Park. Our weekly fitness classes are also a fun way to spend time with friends and family while getting a good workout.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, chief marketing officer of Pearl.

Pearl Brewery
303 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

Win a Whatawedding for this Valentine’s Day

Attention die-hard Whataburger fans: the fast food chain announced last week that from now until Sunday February 2, couples can enter to win the chance to tie the knot or renew their vows on Valentine’s Day at a Whataburger restaurant in six cities across Texas with all costs covered, excluding travel. As an added bonus, one of these couples will also receive a cash prize of $5,000 for a dream honeymoon. (Whataburger, 2020)

Cities where couples can win a Whataburger wedding or renewal ceremony:

San Antonio
College Station
Corpus Christi
Houston
Grand Prairie
Fort Worth

The ultimate Whatawedding includes:

Whataburger meal (couples get to order their favorite off the menu)
Photographer
Select number of guests
Orange and white decorations
Officiant

The winning couple in Corpus Christi will receive all of the above plus an upgraded floral package and video package. A select number of couples will receive a renewal ceremony at each location that includes the Whatawedding details. To enter, couples can visit Whataburger online and fill out the request form which includes name, phone number, email, their preferred city, whether they are looking to get married or renew their vows, picture of the couple and a 500 word of less essay on their love story and why they want to get married at Whataburger.

Pluckers Wing Bar to host ‘Anti-Resolution’ special

pluckerslogo — Pluckers Wing Bar’s Anti-Resolution special will run from January 1 through January 6. Photo: Melissa Skorpil, used with permission.

Pluckers Wing Bar, Texas’ favorite sports bar and wing restaurant, is bringing back their Anti-Resolution special from Wednesday January 1 through Monday January 6, 2020 at ALL Pluckers locations. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

The Anti-Resolution special includes 50% off desserts and a $1 addition for salads. The extra dollar will be donated to Breakthrough Central Texas, an education nonprofit that creates a path to and through college for students from low-income communities. From sixth grade through to college, the organization offers out-of-school learning experiences, leadership skills and comprehensive advising to students. The organization makes a 12-year commitment to students and their families to guide them through the process of preparing for, enrolling in and completing college. The long-term model ensures the success of students and families from middle school to high school graduation to college diploma and beyond.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 24 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 25 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant. They offer guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports. Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154

Pluckers Wing Bar
15651 I-10 W
San Antonio, TX 78249

Annual New Year’s Day black-eyed pea cook-off at William Chris Vineyards

wcvblackeyedpea — William Chris Vineyards will be hosting their annual New Year’s Day Party that will feature a black-eyed pea cook-off. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

William Chris Vineyards will be hosting their Annual New Year’s Day Party featuring a distinctly southern family-friendly Black Eyed Pea Cook-Off at the vineyard in Hye, Texas on Wednesday, January 1 from 1p.m. to 4p.m. The ticket price for general admission is $25 and will include a New Year’s toast for adults, plenty of black eyed peas, one vote to cast for your favorite dish and live music provided by Trace of Gold. (William Chris Vineyards, 2019)

Think you have what it takes to compete for the title of William Chris’ Black Eyed Pea Champion? The cook-off is $40 per entry for a team of two – entrants must prepare a dish at home using Black Eyed Peas with enough to provide 300 samples to attendees; the dish must be ready by set-up time at 12p.m. on January 1. Prizes for the top three teams include: 1st place will receive $500 + case of WCV wine; 2nd place will receive $200 + 6 bottles of WCV; and 3rd place will receive $50 + 2 bottles of WCV wine.

William Chris Vineyards
10352 U.S. Highway 290
Hye, TX 78635

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Category: Holiday themed events